Sri Lanka nominated for Future Policy Award 2021

Sri Lanka's Control of Pesticides Act No. 33 (1980, amended in 1994, 2011, 2020) and National Policy and Action Plan on Prevention of Suicide (1997) has been nominated for the Future Policy Award 2021 organised by the World Future Council.

The Award is organised by the World Future Council in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to the overview text of the Future Policy Award 2021,Sri Lanka's pesticide regulations have contributed to one of the greatest decreases in suicide rates ever achieved in the world.

"Sri Lanka had one of the world’s highest suicide rates, and pesticide poisoning accounted for more than two thirds of all cases. The Pesticides Act ensures that only least hazardous pesticides are available.It has been used to ban a total of 36 HHPs," it said. 

The overview text also said that the country’s suicide rate has been reduced by 70 percent, particularly in rural villages and among children and
youth.

"The bans saved about 93,000 lives over 20 years at a direct government cost of less than USD 50 per life. Whilst at the same time, Sri Lanka has maintained its agricultural productivity.Internationally, the Sri Lankan experience recommends the banning of HHPs as one of the most cost- effective approaches for suicide prevention," added.

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